At least 21 people have died after a passenger boat sank in River Nile state in northern Sudan, a medical group has reported to the BBC. The boat was on a route between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, carrying close to 30 passengers, including women, elderly people, and children. Rescue efforts are ongoing, as local authorities confirm the recovery of 21 bodies. Eyewitnesses indicated that high waves caused the boat to capsize on Wednesday evening in the Shendi area.
Medical officials stated that six individuals survived the disaster and urged for specialized rescue teams to be deployed to quicken search efforts. They called on authorities to implement immediate measures to enhance river transport safety and to avoid future tragedies. According to Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, a spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, weak regulation of river transport may have contributed to this tragic incident, particularly as many boats operating on the Nile are privately owned without sufficient oversight.
The accident underscores the fragility of river transport in Sudan, where traditional boats are often the primary means of crossing the Nile due to a lack of bridges, especially in rural areas. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has devastated many regions, including the capital Khartoum and Darfur, leading to millions being displaced and basic services deteriorating. Although River Nile State has largely been spared from direct conflict, the instability across the nation continues to strain resources and infrastructure, worsening public safety.
Medical officials stated that six individuals survived the disaster and urged for specialized rescue teams to be deployed to quicken search efforts. They called on authorities to implement immediate measures to enhance river transport safety and to avoid future tragedies. According to Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan, a spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, weak regulation of river transport may have contributed to this tragic incident, particularly as many boats operating on the Nile are privately owned without sufficient oversight.
The accident underscores the fragility of river transport in Sudan, where traditional boats are often the primary means of crossing the Nile due to a lack of bridges, especially in rural areas. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has devastated many regions, including the capital Khartoum and Darfur, leading to millions being displaced and basic services deteriorating. Although River Nile State has largely been spared from direct conflict, the instability across the nation continues to strain resources and infrastructure, worsening public safety.
